Absolute Relativism - The New Dictatorship and What to do About It

by Chris Stefanick

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Denver, calls Absolute Relativism “an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the spirit of our times and the challenges we face in a world increasingly without moral compass.”

In this best-selling booklet, Chris Stefanick tackles all the tough questions about Relativism by showing how bankrupt and impractical it is.

Through his down-to-earth, easily accessible Question-and-Answer format, Chris Stefanick shows that far from being the answer to “World Peace” – or even personal peace of mind – Relativism suffers from a self-destructive rot.

Indeed, this pernicious philosophy’s glittering façade may be updated with each generation’s quest for meaning, but as Stefanick shows, this dead-end error remains the same cop-out it was the day the Truth Himself took up his cross to defeat it. In Absolute Relativism you’ll learn:

Why relativism inherently contradicts its own claims.
What makes it one of the worst ideas in the history of ideas.
How relativism has a direct influence on the morals and virtues of a nation.
Why relativism doesn’t even work “on the ground” in “real life.”
Who relativism has hurt in history – and who it continues to hurt today.
How relativism is counterproductive to the true practice of tolerance in society.
Why religion – which makes claims to absolute truth – is finally more tolerant than relativism.
What Christianity has almost singlehandedly done to foster true tolerance in the world.
How all laws legislate morality and all relativists are lying when they say otherwise!
Why Jesus was anything but a relativist in his approach to sinners.
How the so-called impasse between religion and science is for the most part a myth.
What the true meaning of “open-minded” means – it’s not what you think!
Why, ultimately, relativism is a step backwards in true human progress.

Genres: Catholic, Philosophy, Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has called Chris Stefanick “one of the most engaging young defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris speaks to over 50,000 teens, young adults, and parents every year.

Venues he has spoken at include hundreds of high school chastity assemblies and parish events, colleges (including Annapolis, Penn State and the US Air Force Academy) and both national and international events including the Steubenville Youth Conferences, National Catholic Youth Convention, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) National Conference, the Knock, Ireland Youth Festival, and to 15,000 people at Manila’s Real Love Revolution. Chris was also invited to keynote at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Chris has become a regular in Catholic media, appearing frequently on Relevant Radio, and with videos featured on EWTN and Salt & Light (Catholic TV). His written word also reaches tens of thousands monthly through his popular, nationally syndicated column.

This 14-year Youth Ministry veteran served at a parish in the East LA area, as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lacrosse, and as Director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is currently founder and President of Real Life Catholic—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reengaging a generation.

Above all, Chris is proud to be a husband and father to six beautiful children.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pope Benedict has called "the dictatorship of relativism" the "greatest problem of our time." As Stefanick explains, "relativism is the idea that there is no universal, absolute truth but that truth differs from person to person and culture to culture. In other words, truth is relative to what each person or culture thinks." As the title points out, this idea contradicts itself! "Nothing is absolutely true... except that truth is relative." Oops.

Stefanick's booklet on the subject is simple, but brilliant. I plan on having my 8th graders read it as an intro into our semester of morality.

A few other quotes: "It is assumed that we CAN progress scientifically; however, there seems to be less and less regard for whether or not we SHOULD. Science like this can no longer claim to be at the service of humanity. Rather, it puts human life at the service of science - or the helpless at the service of the wealthy and strong. Such 'progress' is actually regress - a return to survival of the fittest. Life at its weakest is no longer safe when relativism reigns."

"Tolerance is the one virtue a relativist society seems to value... That would be a good thing if we all knew what tolerance was. Relativists seem to think that tolerance means not strongly disagreeing with anyone on moral and religious issues... But the irony... is that [disagreement] is a prerequisite for tolerance... So to be able to tolerate something, you first have to disagree with or dislike it!"

"The passage of time doesn't make an ethical concept wrong or obsolete. You don't use ethics to tell time. Using a clock to judge moral issues is just as foolish."

He also quotes one history's most famous relativists: "There is no such thing as truth, either in the moral or in the scientific sense." ~Adolf Hitler. Perhaps the best example of where moral relativism leads!

[Charl(ie|es) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: The book is obviously written for christians who belong to a certain school of thought and beliefs, so I am not the target audience.

There were a few interesting bits in the book but what kept me reading this short pamphlet were the unintentionally humorous parts and the horrendous parts. An example of the humor, he claims the existence of some type of devine being is proven by science from the likes of Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle. This makes me seriously question how he perceives science and scientific principles. An example of the horrendous, he says a family with a child who identifies as female though was born male shouldn't indulge such behavior and should put the child in therapy. This is a good example for the book as a whole, viewing human behavior and morality in black and white terms while ignoring the truths we do know since it doesn't fit into preconceived beliefs.

The most annoying part of the pamphlet was the fact that he often didn't answer his own questions he proposed. Instead responding to a slightly different question that is easier to answer.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This provides an okay introduction into modern day relativist thought, its contradictions, its hypocrisy and its dangers if left unchecked. However, I didn't like Stefanick's overall handling of the subject matter - this needed to be a little more thorough, theological and academically catered if it wanted to be taken seriously by anyone that needs convincing that relativism is conducive of real, systemic intolerance. He uses too many exaggerations (eg, were it not for Christianity, kids would still be watching gladiator battles in the 21st century), he overgeneralizes, and I think he misses the nuance of relativism and its real challenge. The thing is relativism is a necessary attitude to a certain extent. While it can contribute to the destruction of a society and the moral bedrock it is based on, it can still be practiced at least as far as simply accepting that not everyone will believe in the same absolute truth as the other person. This does not mean that any religious culture should sell out its values; all religions should be allowed to practice peacefully - this much, at least in theory, is allowed by relativism. However, Stefanick tends to criticize it in a way that - though as a Catholic I generally agree with him - seems way too biased to take all that seriously.

[Thadeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did a great job of laying out the problems with relativism and how to answer questions brought to bear on Christians in a relativistic, secular world. I appreciated both the format (Q/A) and the length and size of the book. It is something that everyone frustrated with the relativistic trend should read to empower you to speak the truth in love to all those you come in contact with.

Highly recommended.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, logical look at relativism: what it is, what it leads to, and how to talk about it.

[B K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just started this 60 pg. booklet this evening and finished it. Yes, I finished it in the same evening. Even though the author suggests passing it out--I don't think I personally would. I felt that at times the author stood on a soapbox. While he tried to use 'real-world' examples and articles, I would not hand this book to any of my atheist or agnostic friends--because I'm pretty sure they wouldn't finish reading it. I am planning on loaning it to a catholic friend of mine. With the 2012 presidential debates taking place right now, this was a good book to read to 'understand' the catholic vote.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short, concise, and to the point. It is organized perfectly as almost a Catechist on Truth and Falsehood. This book is very useful for the sake of material to use to inject into a debate with those on the other side of the isle. The last "Question" is very helpful as well as a means to combat relativism, but each "Question-Response" is a veritable little gold nugget that can certainly help one either re-establish their own minds and De-program themselves from the indoctrination we often receive from education and society on one hand or to help clear the mind of those who still indoctrinated, and enslaved to this "dictatorship of relativism."

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in clear, concise prose with true fervor for the truth, Stefanick lays out clearly the case against a relativistic mindset in a manner which would force even the most ardent of relativists to submit. Presented with charity and grace to a troubled world, Stefanick's words offer hope that those afflicted by relativism will be freed and will relish in the understanding of truth. An absolute must-read, regardless of background.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What is truth?" asked Pontius Pilate. Truth is an elusive thing these days and many do not believe it exists. Those who do believe in the concept of truth are often labeled "judgmental" or "intolerant." This booklet gave a very thorough and reasoned discussion of relativism and how it is the most damaging philosophy of our time.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great little book that made a solid argument against relativism and pointed out the flaws in some of the common arguments espousing it. The argument was very accessible and interesting and did a good job of presenting it's case without being condescending.

[Andrew Waring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I found it so helpful in explaining relativism and then how as Christians to address it. I would recommend it for anyone who does ministry, or for anyone who is looking to find answers to the problem of relativism.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you "think" you are a realist, you will see the slippery slope where relativism has slipped into everyones daily life, so very subtly ... by sheer force of the culture ... amazing and an eye-opening read.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with much (but certainly not all) of what the author says, although at times I think he is overly alarmist - I would say calling the trend toward absolute relativism a "dictatorship", for example, in unnecessary and an exaggeration. Still, this was an interesting read.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Short and to the point. Really makes you stop and think about what's going on in our society and in the world today.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read! You will see yourself in this book!!

[Erin Servey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice reiteration of his talk at Steubenville. will have to read more of his work

[Jon Birondo · Rating 1 out of 5]

a horrendous and ill-informed ”philosophical” text

[Lauren Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very intense and honest outline of a topic that I think deserves more attention/discussion!

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for all teenagers. Now if I could just get mine to read it!

[cellomerl · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Jesus didn’t say, “I am a way, an opinion, and a lifestyle.” He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.””What a terrific little book, full of hard truths that probably 80% of the population (including most Christians) need to read. You can read it in an evening; it’s straight to the point. (I might even read it twice.) I loved the seven steps to combatting relativism in one’s own life.
Now this little tome is thirteen years old. It mentions an incident of a small boy who thinks he’s a girl and so his parents send him to school dressed like a girl in an effort to entertain his childish fantasies and avoid hurting his feelings, instead of setting him straight about being a boy. They think they’re being kind and non judgemental but instead they are allowing a child to make decisions that he is not equipped to make. This is presented as something completely crazy, and in 2011 it certainly would have been. And yet look where we are today as a society. I wonder where that boy is now.

[Tommy Kiedis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Stefanick provides a crisp overview of relativism, what Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) termed, the "dictatorship of relativism." Clear & convincing. I have highlighting marks all over my paper copy. Stefanick does a splendid job of calling attention to the current chorus of "tolerance," and the inconsistencies of those who sing that song. While he outlines several steps to counteract relativism, I was surprised not to find -- given his Christian convictions -- "reading the Scriptures" as a primary means to wage that battle. Great read. Great insights. Recommend heartily.

[Sueb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book on a topic everyone needs to know more a out. Relativism is having a very negative impact on our world. If you don’t know what this word means, this would be a great book to introduces our to this topic. The author dies a great job of explaining relativism , it’s negative effects, and what we can do to combat it.

[Graham Cammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I never understood what relativism was until I read this booklet. It was always one of highly intellectual concepts I thought I would never understand. This booklet is a great introduction to relativism. Coming mainly from a Catholic point of view this booklet really gets you asking some serious questions about yourself and your beliefs. I highly recommend!

[Thomas Platt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome quick-read about "the greatest threat to society" from the catholic perspective - relativism. Relativism is the idea that there is no absolute truth, and truth is relative to each person; relativism is what we see today, where people believe whatever feels right to them. In reality, our world desperately needs to come back to absolute truths that work as the framework for our lives.

[Frances Star · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the book for my religion class and even though it was 59 page it was excruciatingly long. The whole book was filled with his opinion which took away from the meaning. If you want to know the affect of relativism I suggest you find another book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book that packs a punch.

[Matthew Hickmott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really puts modern society into perspective! And how we all manage to keep our minds and thoughts inline with modern thinking!

[sewpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

So clear and direct. Thank you for reminding me that I can't just talk the talk, but I have to walk it also. .

[Cinda Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is a homily about the nature and prominence of relativism in our society today. Despite the visuals of the cover I found it a compassionate treatise. The book is from a Catholic perspective and though I’m not a Catholic I still appreciated the message. The author discusses the definition of moral relativism, it’s ubiquitous presence in our day, and explores the meaning and application of “tolerance.” I found it interesting. Whether or not you agree with all, some or none of what the author puts forth, it’s worth the short time it takes to read.